The curious Shisui followed along, and Nohara Rin thought training at night was great, so she joined them too.
Mokgetsu openly sent out a Shadow Clone to provide protection.
After all, Sasori's attack had just happened during the day, so there was no need to hide any more.
At the training ground, Obito felt there was still room to redeem himself, so he said to Charizard:
"Charizard, I think I can explain today's events."
Charizard crossed its claws over its chest, raised an eyebrow, and looked at Obito. It was curious to see what excuse Obito might have.
"Look, other Ninja Beasts evolved only once or haven't evolved at all, but you alone have evolved twice. Haven't you ever wondered why?" Obito said with a proud expression.
Currently, there are three evolved Pokemon, totaling four evolutions, and his one Pokemon accounted for two of those.
"Roar!"
Charizard puffed out its chest, lifted its head, and extended its wings to make its body appear broader.
"Of course, it's because I'm exceptionally gifted, it said so," Zorua translated.
Obito had a black line on his forehead, speechless at Charizard's shamelessness. Clearly, it was due to his excellent nurturing!
Obito took on a thoughtful look, pondering his choice of words carefully.
There was no other way; he still needed Charizard in the finals. Obito worried that if he upset Charizard, it might just lie down and sleep during the finals.
"I'm not denying your talent," Obito first adjusted his armor slightly.
"I mean, Charizard, your dual evolution is also partly due to my nurturing efforts. I intentionally provoked you during the day, hoping you'd become stronger."
"So seeing you like this now makes me very happy; all the hard work was worth it." Obito stroked his non-existent beard, looking gratified, placing emphasis on his hard work.
They say even a tiger won't harm its cub, and Obito felt it wouldn't be wrong if reversed, as a tiger doesn't harm its father.
Since he had hatched Charizard, he could be considered half a father to it. If Charizard knew his sincere intentions, it should somewhat understand his actions.
Whoosh!
'Ember!'
Charizard's response was a strong blast of flame.
Charizard just remembered it had forgotten to breathe fire on Obito after evolving,
having been too focused on eating and resting to remember dealing with Obito, the fool.
Obito was prepared, having covertly activated his Three Tomoe Sharingan, so he dodged swiftly at the instant Charizard opened its mouth.
"Roar!"
Charizard's eyes flashed fiercely as it let out a long howl.
"Since you so want me to enhance my strength, continue to battle me, it said," Zorua translated accurately.
Charizard nodded, grateful for having a translator. Without one, Obito could twist its words completely, leaving Charizard unable to defend itself.
At this moment, Charizard's heart was ablaze with anger. Obito, this unreasonable guy, had talked behind its back in front of Milotic, calling it fat, even though its figure was perfect.
Since Obito used the excuse of making it stronger to torment him, Charizard could use the same excuse to torment Obito.
Oh no, what torment? It was merely helping its contractor become stronger.
Currently, Obito ranked at the bottom among many disciples. With its help, it believed he could catch up to the others quickly.
When that time comes, even if Obito doesn't understand, Charizard won't care. After all, humans and dragons cannot understand each other fully.
"Let Obito suffer; I will bear the infamy," Charizard felt it was being incredibly noble.
Despite Obito's brutality, Charizard could reciprocate with kindness. Where would you find such a good dragon?
"I think we could use a more civilized approach to understand each other and enhance our strength," Obito suggested earnestly.
"Roar!"
"Even I, who am not yet two years old, fear it. No wonder Rin thinks Kakashi is better, it said."
Obito: ???
Obito looked at Charizard in disbelief. Why did this fire-tailed dragon emit such a cold voice?
This person, no, this dragon said something unforgivable.
"Since you're so stubborn, don't blame me for being ruthless with my Fire Release," Obito adjusted his Goggles, his gaze sharp.
Although Charizard didn't need Hand Seals to perform Ninjutsu, he had mastered the Breath of Flame Chakra Mode, which also didn't require Hand Seals.
Charizard disdainfully turned its head, having spent most of its life strategizing and competing with Obito. It knew all of Obito's weaknesses too well.
"In a certain sense, they actually suit each other quite well," Kakashi, who was discussing new abilities with Lycanroc, couldn't help but remark.
Although the Ninja Beasts often resembled their trainers over time, Charizard resembled Obito too much, and Kakashi seemed to see another Obito.
"The battle begins!" remarked Shisui, who served as an acting referee.
"Roar!"
With a loud howl, Charizard took flight immediately, rising to a height of about six or seven meters.
If it flew too high, not only would Obito be unable to hit it, but its attacks wouldn't reach Obito either.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
Facing the unknown Charizard, Obito chose to start with the Great Fireball as a strategic play.
After launching the Great Fireball, Obito quickly placed his hand into his Ninja Pouch, retrieving several Kunai while observing Charizard's movements with his Three Tomoe Sharingan.
Seeing Obito using the slow Great Fireball to probe, Charizard sneered, then quickly flew sideways, flapping its wings.